The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded Babcock a proof-of-concept contract to facilitate 3D printing of military equipment for Ukrainian armed forces.
As the prime contractor, Babcock will collaborate with UK-based defence technology firm QinetiQ to generate digital drawings and computer aided design (CAD) files for military parts, which can then be printed locally.
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QinetiQ Science Technology and Weapons managing director Alan Hart said: “We are delighted to be working with Babcock to support Ukraine and are immensely proud that QinetiQ is able to draw on our world-leading expertise in technical assurance to assist.
“This latest contract demonstrates QinetiQ’s unequalled expertise in material capability assurance, and commitment to support to the frontline, whether our own or those of our allies.”
The technology support includes the reverse engineering of older components to decode their functionality and structure, thus allowing them to be digitally replicated as needed.
The provision of digital files facilitates the on-site production of parts using various methods, including 3D printing.
Babcock Land Sector CEO Tom Newman said: “We aim to give Ukraine the capability to recreate the military parts that they need, where and when it really matters. This innovation builds on our engineering expertise and technology capability, giving us further opportunities to optimise 3D printing.”
In May 2024, Babcock expanded its assistance to Ukraine’s military efforts by establishing an engineering centre within the country, specifically for the maintenance and refurbishment of military vehicles.
Working in partnership with Ukraine Defence Industries (UDI), Babcock’s initiative is focused on maintaining the readiness and availability of essential military equipment.
In 2023, Babcock MoD to support Ukraine’s military land assets.
The contract was extended by an additional 15 months in February 2025, focusing on the repair and restoration of vehicles, such as the Challenger 2 tank, to frontline service.
Babcock oversees the vehicle supply chain, provides spare parts, and imparts engineering knowledge to train the Ukrainian military in carrying out repairs.
In the same month, the UK reached a milestone in its military support for Ukraine by delivering more than half a million rounds of artillery ammunition.
